The Detroit Red Wings made a bit of an exciting move on Monday afternoon for those who follow the organization. Detroit recalled forward John Leonard from the Grand Rapids Griffins to replace the injured Patrick Kane.
Leonard, 27, whom I touched on briefly recently, is simply tearing it up with the white hot Griffins in 2025-26. In 20 contests with the Griffins, Leonard has recorded 19 goals and 29 points and has been a major part of their success this season.
Those 19 goals lead the AHL (American Hockey League), and seven of those are game winners, which also leads the league. The Griffins are off to a scorching 22-1-0-1 start. Our friend, Dominik Shine, is second in scoring on the Griffins this year with 11 goals and 21 points in 19 games this season.
Patrick Kane expected to miss some time
On Monday, Leonard was skating at practice in Patrick Kane's spot on the second line with Alex DeBrincat and Andrew Copp. Following the practice, Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan mentioned that Kane tweaked an upper-body injury during play on Saturday night in Chicago. Kane is expected to be sidelined at least for Detroit's next two contests, Tuesday against the New York Islanders, and Wednesday against Utah, both of which are at home.
Kane is enjoying an excellent season with the Red Wings, operating at a near point-per-game clip. The future Hall of Famer has recorded six goals and 23 points over 24 games this season. He's also missed some time earlier in the season with an upper-body injury.
Jonatan Berggren placed on waivers
Also on Monday, the Detroit Red Wings placed forward Jonatan Berggren on waivers. Berggren, 25, a fan favorite of many, hasn't been able to find his way at the NHL level. Berggren has shown positive offensive flashes during his time in Detroit, but he's very one-dimensional, and even his ability to finish has lacked consistency.
Berggren tends to operate on the outside and doesn't bring much more to the table. He's not a viable penalty killer, he's not a good checking winger, he doesn't get in on the forecheck and turn pucks over, and he loses a lot more of those vital 50/50 board battles than he wins.
Berggren on waivers. Has shown some finishing touch, not much else. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/n7inEvNe5t
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) December 15, 2025
I wouldn't say his NHL opportunities are done; they might be in Detroit, but not overall. If Berggren can clear waivers, he will benefit greatly by hitting the reset button with the Griffins. He will also slide right in and replace Leonard in the lineup and see plenty of offensive opportunities.
Berggren appeared in 15 games this season with the Red Wings, notching just two goals and six points. He's played 169 NHL games and has totaled 31 goals and 64 points.